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You may have noticed a new byline on the sports page yesterday. Forgive me; we haven't been properly introduced. In the immortal words of CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz, "Hello Friends."

What qualifies me as a sports writer and editor? I'm glad you asked.

Believe it or not, writing self-diagnosed sports junkie on your resume isn't enough. But with experience as a raft guide, ski instructor, football coach, kayaker, mountain biker, school teacher, freelance outdoor writer/photographer and journalism master's holder, I would like to think my resume holds up.

And then there was the time I almost became the University of Miami's mascot. One day in college, I came across a flyer advertising tryouts. Going to Miami Hurricane football games in 90-degree weather wearing a big fuzzy bird suit? Sign me up. This was the Willis McGahee, Clinton Portis era of Miami Football.

The tryouts were that same day. Practice? I took the Allen Iverson approach, "Practice? We're talking about practice." How hard could it be?

It turns out riding a bike in an oversized chicken suite with eye holes and giant feet is not the easiest thing in the world. Still, that wasn't the trouble. It seems practice may have helped after all. Had I been able to spell out "C-A-N-E-S, Canes" with my arms, YMCA style, there's a good chance I would have two national championship rings on my hand right now.

Now I know that has little to do with respectable sports journalism, and I may have also just lost any credibility I had to begin with. But our managing editor was a big fan of the story. I figure, no matter what your job, it's probably a good idea to listen to your boss in the first week.

In the coming months, look for some expansion to our sports and outdoor sections, in print, on the web and in social media. Our readers have demanded more outdoor and recreation coverage, and we're excited about the chance to deliver that. As we get closer to summer, we plan on starting new weekly series, regular columns and outdoor features, and don't worry prep sports fans, we haven't forgotten about you. We're renewing our commitment to strong, consistent high school sports coverage.

We are excited about the opportunity to take sports and recreation in a new direction. And we're looking for your help too. So if you have story ideas or tips, don't be afraid to shoot us an email or drop us a line. Let us know what's on your mind.

And if you see me in the street or on the trail, stop me. Let's talk sports.